From the East Neuk to ‘international’ St Andrews for graduate Morgan

A former Waid Academy pupil who was finally able to graduate in person from the University of St Andrews this week has said, despite being on their doorstep, studying in St Andrews has been a truly international experience.

Morgan Morris, who grew up in Anstruther, said being involved with the local community and within the student body as Community Relations Officer and Association Chair at the Students’ Association was key to feeling part of the whole university experience.

The 23-year-old – who received a BSc (Hons) in Biology and Geography yesterday (Wednesday 30 November) after having to graduate virtually in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic – said: “Some of my best memories were making positive change and taking affirmative actions during my three terms sitting on the Association Council (SRC) with other passionate students who truly cared for our community as well.

“One of my best memories was helping to organise the St Andrews Day Street Ceilidh with BID St Andrews in my capacity as Community Relations Officer. It was and still is one of my favourite events of the year; dancing on a cold winter night with hundreds of fellow St Andrews residents is truly magical.”

Morgan is now working as a Summer Camp Coordinator for an organisation which provides international summer experiences for UK-based young people at children’s summer camps in the United States and Canada.

They said: “At the moment this is a perfect job for me as it’s something I’m passionate about following five summers working at a camp in the US.”

Commenting on finally being able to graduate in person, Morgan added: “It was strange to graduate virtually; at the time I was working at an International Children’s summer camp in Croatia. I opened my laptop at the beach café and turned on my graduation ceremony with some of my fellow staff members.

“I watched until my name was read out, took some pictures and then went for a dip in the Adriatic Sea to celebrate. As much as that was strangely unique, I was very excited to return to St Andrews to take part in the graduation ceremony I always dreamed of.”